Historical information

North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The first iteration of the Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Dairy was sent from farmers across the district for processing at the factory in Wodonga in the 1890s. Victorian creameries regularly exported frozen butter to London, stock was transported by rail for sale in Melbourne, and of course sold and consumed locally. E.W. Manns, of the prominent local Wodonga family, was a shareholder and was closely involved in the establishment of the Wodonga Butter Company.

Many families living on farms also owned their own cow, and had equipment to process their own dairy products at home. Milk cans such as this one were used to store and transport milk from farms to dairies and butter factories for processing.

Significance

This item represents the history of local industry in Wodonga and north east Victoria.

Physical description

A large metal milk can with handles